LDS NEST BLOG

I'm in heavy like with Valentine's Day. The Boyfriend usually isn't home for it. (Works on an oil rig) But, this year he will be. So I'm pretty excited to celebrate. This is for him. (He doesn't read the posts regularly, usually all in one sitting, so I think he won't see this. If this is you Boyfriend, DON'T continue reading)

About 15 years ago, before chalkboards were hip, I made an Anniversary Chalkboard Word Search for my Perfect Match. It took a couple of versions before I got it right and was a lot of work. This Valentine's Day I decided to offer an easy version to download. Print, cut, frame, and give. Way less work than I originally went through. You can find it here. Our shop is here.

8"x 8" and 5"x 5" Download Found in our Etsy Shop

If framed with glass then it can be used with a dry erase marker and reused.

For your Perfect Match get our download or make one of your own. Happy Love Month.

It's been camp, camp, camp on my brain. And I have a few things to share with you about that. But, for today, I've got a print in our Esty shop that I did before the camp rush.

Esty Print

The Boyfriend and my anniversary is next month (we're celebrating 32 years) so marriage has been on my mind. I kept seeing "all you need is love" or "love is all you need" everywhere on Pinterest when I was doing a little research. Anyone who's been married any length of time (or even for shorter periods) knows it takes more than love. Sure it's the basis, but if it were all up to love we wouldn't have any broken relationships. Married or otherwise.

Etsy Shop

"Love is all you need" is such an over simplification. Love is the start and the driver but it better get some other passengers on board (forgiveness, patience, fidelity, kindness, etc.) if it wants the fuel to go anywhere for any length of time. Can you tell I have strong opinions about this? Do you?

Well I didn't want anyone in this house thinking that all they had to do was have a little love for a strong relationship so I put my thoughts to paper. And tried to make it handsome. You can find it here.

What are 3 qualities besides love that you think a relationship, any relationship, needs?

Despite its lack of words it's still saying something. YOU'RE saying plenty to your mate without even speaking.

To help with your non verbal language here are 5 secrets to connect with your spouse, besides the obvious one, sex.

1. MAKE EYE CONTACT • Eyes say so much. That's if you're looking. So look. Really look at each other. In the eyes. When were mad at each other we often don't want to look at each other (unless it's glaring) because it can break down barriers. Sometimes we can't say something, or don't say it right. Looking into each other's eyes can communicate feelings without the barriers of words. There's intimacy in looking into someone's eyes with intent.

2. SMILE AT EACH OTHER • Smile at your spouse. A real smile. One that comes from the happy memories you share. Everything may not be perfect in your relationship but a genuine smile says that this is a pleasant or playful moment. Moments can add up.

3. LAUGH TOGETHER • Laughing isn't always preceded by speaking. Sometimes, it's something that just happened and you look at each other and just bust out laughing. Don't hold it in. Laugh. Men like women who laugh. If funny things aren't obvious, find comics, videos, or people watching to get you going. My husband and I laugh a lot, often in bed. (No reflection of what goes on there.) He often says he hopes that our kids hear us laughing together because it's a reflection of what we have together.

4. SIT NEXT TO EACH OTHER • Find opportunities to sit next to each other. Restaurants. Church. Home. When you walk into a room go sit right next to your spouse, even if you have to displace someone else. You're a pair. It's the unspoken message to your spouse and everyone else in the room that you belong together.

On the hierarchy of relationships a spouse comes right after God. That's how important the bond is. In light of that, spending time strengthening that tie, with verbal and non verbal ways, is worth the effort.

I'm always up for knowing more ways to connect with my spouse. What non verbal ways can you share?